Kerry Kennedy, a niece of former President John F. Kennedy, accused President Donald Trump of taking the Kennedy Center "hostage" after Trump stated that he would not allocate congressionally approved funding for the center's renovation unless it bore his name. This accusation followed a federal judge's ruling that blocked the performing arts center's board from adding a tribute to Trump on the building or site. Shortly after the ruling, the board, which is controlled by Trump appointees, voted to close the center for renovations due to safety concerns after a piece of plaster fell from the ceiling during a storm earlier this month.
In a social media post, Trump indicated that the renovations would not proceed unless his name was included on the building. On Wednesday, fencing was observed being installed around the main entrance of the center. Lawyers for Ohio Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty requested an emergency hearing regarding what they consider the "unlawful closure" of the center, citing a previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that invalidated the board's earlier vote to close the center. Beatty's legal team argued that the center is violating Cooper's order since the injunction against closure remains in effect.
Congress allocated $257 million for the renovation last year. In a Tuesday interview with CNN, Kerry Kennedy described the board's actions as "a tragedy," stating that the center is cherished by many and that the public perceives corruption in this situation. She claimed that Trump is withholding $250 million in funding because he wants his name on the building, labeling this as "hostage taking by the president of the United States."
Kennedy urged Trump to focus on more important matters and allow the center to proceed with renovations. Her comments echoed those of another niece, Maria Shriver, who also criticized Trump's actions as a "tragedy" and described him as "small minded" and "narcissistic." Shriver emphasized that true leaders devoted to public service do not behave in such a manner.
Last month, the Kennedy Center board, which Trump had replaced with his allies, voted to close the institution for a two-year renovation. Judge Cooper issued a written order on Tuesday blocking the attempt to add Trump's name to the building, stating that such actions require congressional approval and violate a previous court order. He criticized the board's attempts to circumvent the ruling as engaging in "linguistic gymnastics." Trump later reiterated that the center would be closed immediately and that renovations could not begin until the D.C. Circuit ruled on the board's approved name.